Emporia State edges Tarleton State

Robben goes perfect 10-for-10 on free throws to spark Hornets

TOPEKA, Kan. -- Heather Robben scored a game-high 19 points, including a 10-of-10 performance from the free throw line, to lead Emporia State to a 64-56 victory against Tarleton State in the first round of the NCAA tournament at Lee Arena.

The TexAnns jumped out to a 6-3 lead early before Rachel Hanf and Kelsey Balcom hit back-to-back 3-pointers to give the Lady Hornets a 9-6 lead with 16:35 left in the first half. ESU's lead would grow to eight on an old fashioned three-point play by Robben with 4:05 left in the period before the Lady Hornets settled into a 33-28 lead going to the half.

An 11-1 run in the second half turned an eight-point ESU lead into a 44-42 advantage for Tarleton State with 9:46 left in the game. Robben converted another old fashioned three-point play on the next possession to give the Lady Hornets the lead for good.

The TexAnns were still within 49-48 with 6:42 remaining when the Lady Hornets went on a 9-0 run to take their biggest lead of the night at 58-48 with 3:55 left in the game. ESU went 8-for-8 from the line in the final four minutes to ice its seventh consecutive win in NCAA tournament play.

Robben was joined in double figures by Balcom with 16 points. Merissa Quick had nine rebounds as the Lady Hornets outrebounded the TexAnns 44-23 on the night.